The Baptist Pillar © Brandon Bible Baptist Church 1992-Present www.baptistpillar.com
"...The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
I Timothy 3:15
God’s Stairway to Spiritual Maturity
Dr. Thomas Cassidy, Pastor
First Baptist Church, 8758 Troy Street, Spring Valley, CA 91977 (619)462-9019
© COPYRIGHT 1995 BY THE AUTHOR
This work is copyrighted only to preserve the author's ownership of his work. Any part of this work may be used without the author's permission. All that he asks is that proper credit be given. (All quotations are from the Authorized Version)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Step 1 Assurance of Salvation
Step 2 Baptism
Step 3 Church Membership
Step 4 Tithing
Step
5 Prayer
Step 6 Bible Study
Step 7 Temptation
Step 8 Obedience and Consecration
Step
9 The Christian and Separation
Step 10 Witnessing
Step 11 The Christian's Thought Life
Step
12 Emotions
Step 13 Christian Decisions
Step 14 Christian Maturity
Step #1 ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
MEMORY VERSES: I John 5:11-13
1. The moment that we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior, we are declared righteous, justified by faith in the sight of God. The word "justified" means that we are made as though we had never sinned in the sight of God. Having received Christ as our personal Savior, our salvation is secure and anchored in the solid Rock. Let's look to the Word of God to find how we can know this for certain.
2. Facts about Salvation.
A. Why do men need to be saved?
1) Romans 3:10, 23
2) John 3:3, 18, 36
B. Since Adam, all of us are born into the world with the sentence of death upon us (Romans 5:12). What two commandments are we born breaking, according to Luke 10:27?
1) Love God
2) Love Mankind
C. What other commandments and laws are dependent on the two given above? (see Matthew 22:37-40).
D. Is it ever possible for a man to save himself? If not, why not?
1) Ephesians 2:8-9
2) Titus 3:5
3) Galatians 2:16
4) John 14:6
E. What is the price that God puts upon sin?
1) Romans 5:12
2) Romans 6:23
3) Revelation 20:14-15
4) Revelation 21:8
F. What did God provide for us through His Son, Jesus?
1) John 3:16
2) John 5:24
3) John 10:9
G. Who can be saved?
1) John 1:12-13
2) John 3:36
3) Romans 5:8-9
4) Romans 10:13
H. What must a person do to be saved?
1) Romans 10:9-10
2) Acts 2:21
3) Acts 16:31
4) John 5:24
I. How do we know that God will save us if and when we call upon Him to come into our heart and cleanse us from all unrighteousness?
1) John 6:37
2) John 14:13-14
3) Romans 10:12-13
J. Have you ever personally asked the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart and to save you from sin and hell and make you a child of God?
3. What happened to you when you were saved?
A. Forgiven
1) Colossians 1:14
2) Romans 4:5-8
B. Justified
1) II Corinthians 5:21
2) Romans 4:5
3) Romans 5:9
C. Accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6)
D. Sealed
1) Ephesians 1:13
2) I Corinthians 6:11
E. Complete (Colossians 2:9-10)
F. Member of God's family (John 1:12-13)
4. Does salvation mean we will never sin again?
A. Is our salvation dependent upon our ability to live upright and holy lives?
1) Hebrews 7:25
2) Jude 24-25
3) Romans 3:10, 23
4) Ephesians 2:8
B. What should a believer do when he has fallen into sin?
1) Psalm 51:3
2) I John 1:9
3) Isaiah 55:7
4) Proverbs 28:13
C. Will you be happy while living in disobedience to God's Word? (Psalm 32:2-5)
D. What will God do if we confess our sins? (I John 1:9)?
E. Once we are truly born again can Satan ever cause us to lose our salvation?
1) Romans 8:34-39
2) Jude 24
3) John 10:27-29
4) Philippians 1:16
5) I John 5:11-12
F. Can you give me five verses of Scripture that prove that you are born again?
5. Now that you are sure that you are a child of God, memorize I John 5:11-13.
Step #2 BAPTISM
MEMORY VERSES: MATTHEW 28:19-20
1. Following salvation, the first command of Jesus Christ is to be baptized. Baptism does not save you. It doesn't help to save you. It is an act of obedience, and a public confession of your faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. You may have been baptized previously, but if it was prior to you actually being saved, or you were baptized to be saved, you must now partake of believer's baptism.
2. Who should be baptized?
A. Acts 2:41
B. Acts 8:36-37
C. Acts 16:30-33
1) According to the above Scriptures, should babies or the unsaved be baptized?
2) Only those who by faith have received the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should be baptized.
3. Why should you be baptized?
A. What was Christ's command (Matthew 28:19-20)?
B. Who is our example (Matthew 3:13-17)?
C. What does our baptism picture (Romans 6:3-5)?
D. If we make a public confession of our faith by baptism what has Christ promised to do for us (Matthew 10:32)?
E. What does our baptism show (I Peter 3:21)?
4. When should you be baptized?
A. Acts 8:12
B. How soon after salvation (Acts 8:26-40 & 2:41)?
C. Should baptism be delayed (James 4:13-14)?
5. A new Christian should never say, "I am praying about what God would have me do about baptism", when God clearly tells us what to do in His Word. To say such things may sound spiritual, but if it is something that is clearly taught in the Bible, we don't pray about it, we just do it!
6. How should you be baptized?
A. What does baptism picture (Romans 6:3-5)?
B. What are we baptized with (John 1:26)?
C. What method is used in the Bible (Acts 8:38; Mark 1:10)?
7. The Bible teaches that baptism by immersion is the only method of Biblical baptism by the very word used, "Baptidzo", a Greek word which means to dip, to plunge under, or to submerge. Therefore sprinkling or pouring is not according to Scripture.
8. What if you refuse to be baptized?
A. Disobedience (James 4:17).
B. Loss of testimony (John 8:31).
C. Loss of fellowship and lack of fruit (John 15:4).
9. What else does the Bible say about baptism?
A. What then does baptism have to do with salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)?
B. When we are plunged beneath the water in baptism does this wash away our sins (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:14- 15)?
C. What must be applied to our sins in order for us to be cleansed from them (Hebrews 9:22; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:20)?
D. In your own words, why should we be baptized (Acts 2:41)?
E. How soon should we be baptized after we have received the Lord as our personal Savior (Acts 2:1; 8:26-40)?
F. Where should you be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20)?
10. Jesus commanded the church in Matthew 28:19-20 to baptize believers. You should be baptized in a local church which you intend to join as soon as you are baptized. Every Christian, in order to be obedient to Christ, should be baptized the Bible way. Be sure to memorize Matthew 28:19-20.
Step #3 CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
MEMORY VERSE: HEBREWS 10:25
1. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, according to Ephesians 5:25. Since He loved it that much, certainly we should do likewise. Jesus said "I will build My church" in Matthew 16:18 and not other organizations, no matter how good they might be. He didn't say "I will build the Navigators,", or "the Boy Scouts", or "my college", or any other organization. These organizations should work with and through the local church, and never independent of a local church. God's will is for you to get in a good church and serve the Lord in and through it, via its local and world wide outreach!
2. There are many people who say that they don't need to go to church to worship God. They say they can worship Him taking a walk, out in the woods, or at the beach. But how often do they do that in reality? The Lord Himself has set a day each week to do that which He has commanded. He established the church and gave Himself for it so that it could do much more than just worship, so that it could do all that He has instructed it to do, far more than just worship at the beach!
3. The memory verse teaches us in the context of the attendance of a local church. The verse also admonishes that the closer we get to the return of Christ, the more faithful we ought to be to God's established organization, the local church. Stand with your Pastor and with the Scriptural programs of your church. Stand in unity as long as the Bible is being obeyed!
4. What then is a church?
A. The word "church" is derived from the Greek word "Kuriakos", meaning "of, or belonging to the Lord", and "ecclesia", a "called out assembly". When you read the word "church" in the Bible you know that it has reference to those people who have been born again by the Spirit of God, who have followed the Lord in believer's baptism, who have separated themselves from the things that are in the world, and who are meeting together as a group of believers fellowshipping in the Word of God and in carrying out the Great Commission to reach lost souls for the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15).
B. Who are the members of the church (Acts 2:41)?
C. What is the purpose of the church (Ephesians 4:11-16)?
1) Ephesians 1:6
2) Acts 1:8
3) Ephesians 2:10
4) Acts 20:26-28
D. What four things does Christ's Great Commission to the church include (Matthew 28:19-20)?
1) The command to Go!
2) The command to teach them how to be saved.
3) The command to baptize them.
4) The command to teach them to go and do likewise!
5. God's church will be a soul-winning church, teaching the Bible as the Word of God without error, separating itself from ungodly practices, and encouraging one another to serve and love the Lord.
6. Why do we worship on Sunday?
A. On which day of the week did Christ rise from the dead (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1)?
B. On which day of the week did Christ appear to His disciples after the resurrection (John 20:19)?
C. According to the Old Testament, on which day of the week was the Feast of Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-16)? Pentecost was the third great Israelite feast mentioned in Leviticus 23. It was a harvest festival held fifty days after the Passover week. The New Testament Pentecost was to have greater significance than the Old Testament Pentecost. Old Testament Pentecost occurred fifty days after Israel left Egypt, after the slaying of the Passover lamb. New Testament Pentecost occurred fifty days after Christ left the tomb, after His death on the cross, He being our Passover Lamb. Old Testament Pentecost celebrated the empowering of the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:5). New Testament Pentecost celebrated the empowering of the church (Acts 2:41-47). Old Testament Pentecost witnessed the slaying of some three thousand souls (Exodus 2:28). New Testament Pentecost witnessed the saving of some three thousand souls (Acts 2:41)! The Old testament Pentecost pointed typologically to the New Testament Pentecost.
D. On what day did the Holy Spirit descend (Acts 2:1)?
E. On what day did the early Christians meet to worship (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2)?
F. The Sabbath was a day of rest, not of worship (Exodus 20:10). The first day of the week was the day that Christians gathered to worship (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2)
G. The first day of the week (Sunday) became known as what (Revelation 1:10)? The consistent testimony of Scripture and of history indicates that Christians worship on the Lord's day, the first day of the week, Sunday.
7. What should every Christian do for the Church?
A. Who should we pray for (James 5:16)?
B. How do we support the church's needs (I Corinthians 16:2)?
C. What should we do for our Pastor and church leaders (Hebrews 13:17-18)?
D. Should we be faithful to all services of the church (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:47; 5:42)?
E. How are we to treat other members of the church (I Corinthians 12:26)?
Step #4 TITHING
MEMORY VERSE: MALACHI 3:10
1. God has an established method for supporting the local church. The giving of tithes and offerings to the local church is God's ordained method. As a Bible believing Baptist Church we do not believe in bake sales, rummage sales, church suppers, raffles, bingo, carnivals, or other means by which money is made to support the local church. We believe that God's program is that every born-again person should give of their tithes and offerings to the local church so the church will prosper and that this money will be available to be used to spread the Word of God both in our own community and all around the world.
2. God's plan for financing His church is also His plan for blessing His people. This step will show how God's people can receive great blessings as they give to God's work.
3. Principles of Tithing.
A. To whom does the tithe belong? Malachi 3:8.
B. What is the Lord's attitude about the tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33)?
C. What is the penalty for withholding the tithe (Leviticus 27:31)?
D. Who was the first man to pay a tithe (Genesis 14:17- 20)?
E. Was this before or after the institution of the Law by Moses?
F. How much is a tithe (Genesis 28:22)?
4. What happens to the work of the Lord when His people withhold their tithes?
A. Nehemiah 13:10-11
B. Judges 18:1-6 C. I Timothy 5:17-18
5. God's classification of the non-tither (Malachi 3:7-8).
A. Whom do we rob?
B. How do we rob Him?
6. How does God deal with those who rob Him?
A. Malachi 3:9
B. Acts 5:1-11
7. How does God deal with those who do tithe?
A. Malachi 3:10-11
B. Luke 6:38
C. Philippians 4:15-19
D. Where should we bring the tithe (I Corinthians 16:1-2)?
E. When should we bring the tithe (I Corinthians 16:1-2)?
F. How should we bring the tithe (II Corinthians 9:7)?
8. The seven wonders of Christian giving!
A. The peace of mind that obedience brings (2 Cor. 8:1-8).
B. The increased joy of Christian sharing.
C. The way your prayers are answered.
D. The amount of money the church has for the Lord's work.
E. The ease of meeting your obligations when God wisely leads in handling the remaining 90% of your money.
F. Your insurance policy against "the devourer" is paid in full by God.
G. The greatest wonder is why you did not start tithing earlier in life!
9. Dr. Don Jennings, formerly of Tennessee Temple University says: "Be a givin' while you're livin', and you'll be a knowin' where it's goin".
10. The tithe is a fair method. All can give an equal portion, no matter how rich or how poor. Christ especially commended the widow who only gave a mite, because she gave out of her necessity, while the rich man gave out of his abundance. We cannot claim God's promise of blessing unless first we are willing to follow His commandments concerning our finances and His church (Luke 17:7-10).
The tithe should go only to your own local church, and is ten percent of your income. The offering is any amount that you give over and above your tithe. Your willingness to be obedient to the Lord in the area of giving is the visible proof of your love for Him, and your faith in Him to provide your every need.
Step #5 PRAYER
MEMORY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS 4:6
1. The word "pray" simply means to ask. Prayer is when the child of God talks to God. We pray in the Spirit, through the Lord Jesus Christ, to God the Father. There are twelve different Hebrew words and five Greek words that are translated into English by the word "prayer". Each of them has the meaning of definitely asking; primarily of talking to God as a child would go and ask something of his parent. Even though the prayer may not be audible prayer, it takes the form of words in your mind as you meditate on or think of spiritual things. Thus, as the Scriptures teach in I Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." The Bible teaches us that God wants us to pray to Him.
2. What attitudes should we have when we pray?
A. How should we approach God in prayer?
1) Ecclesiastes 5:2
2) John 9:31
B. What type of people will God hear when they pray to Him (Proverbs 15:29)?
C. To God, what are the prayers of the unrighteous (Proverbs 28:9)?
D. What is it that a person must do before God will hear and answer prayer?
1) John 9:31
2) Psalm 66:18-20
E. Why do many Christians have prayers which go unanswered (Jeremiah 29:13)?
F. What two things must we do to have our prayers answered (John 15:7)?
G. What attitude will incline God to hear the prayer of His child (Psalm 34:18)?
H. In whose name should we pray (John 14:6; 15:16; 16:23; Ephesians 5:20; Hebrews 7:25; I Timothy 2:5)?
I. Who helps us to pray (Romans 8:26)?
J. When should we pray?
1) Psalm 5:3
2) Psalm 55:17
3) Matthew 26:41
K. God wants us to be clean and enjoy close fellowship with Him (Isaiah 1:16-18).
3. Three aspects of prayer.
A. Hebrews 13:15
B. I Thessalonians 5:25
C. Psalm 62:8 and Matthew 7:11
4. What are the hindrances to prayer?
A. Psalm 66:18 & I John 1:8
B. James 4:3
C. Matthew 6:14-15 & Mark 11:26
D. James 1:6-7
E. James 4:17
F. Proverbs 21:13
G. Isaiah 59:1-2
5. What can we do if we are hindered in our prayers (I John 1:9)?
6. What is our confidence in God (I John 3:21-22)?
7. What should we pray for?
A. James 5:16
B. Matthew 7:11
C. Ephesians 6:19
D. I Timothy 2:1
E. I Timothy 2:2
F. I Timothy 4:4-5
G. Psalm 51:1-4
H. John 5:14-15
I . I Thessalonians 5:17
8. Three types of prayer
A. Personal: This is a time when the individual gets alone with God for his own personal spiritual well- being. Bible examples and instructions indicate that we should begin our day by reading from God's Word and praying. The important thing is not the amount of time spent, but to start the day with a heart that has been prepared to do His will.
B. Family: Also called the family alter, this is not a piece of furniture that you purchase and place in your home and bow down to, but rather it is a time when you and your family get together and read the Word of God and pray together. It is a time for the wife to be strengthened by the awareness of a Godly husband leading his family in walking close with Christ. It is a time when a Godly husband can be strengthened by the closeness of a wife who is standing with him in dedication to Christ. It is a time when parents can be encouraged by witnessing spiritual growth in their children. It's Also a time when children are guided into a close walk with Christ, or brought to an understanding of the salvation offered by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. The example of a Mom and Dad reading, praying, and sharing with them the reality of a daily walk with Jesus Christ will have untold effects upon their lives. It is not a preaching time, but a time for every member of the family to participate in the reading of Scripture, praying, talking about the things of the Lord, and singing praises together according to your own family desires. The length of time spent is not the important factor, but how you use the time.
C. Public: Public prayer at your local church for the needs of the church, the members, and the lost. The reason most people do not want to pray publicly is that they have not practiced enough privately!
9. Be sure to keep a prayer list with the request, the date asked, and the date answered. What a blessing this will be to you as the Lord sends answers to your requests, and as you review what the Lord has already done, you will be encouraged to continue in prayer knowing that the Lord does answer prayer, He has answered prayer, and will continue to answer prayer!
Step #6 BIBLE STUDY
MEMORY VERSE: II TIMOTHY 2:15
1. The Bible is different from any other book ever written because it is inspired by God. It is God's self-revelation to man concerning Himself. He had to reveal Himself to us in this way because there is no other way for man to know God. The Bible is the story of man's complete ruin in sin and God's perfect salvation in Christ. It is unique in that it is 66 books in one, with about 40 authors and written over a period of about 2000 years, the last book being written in about 100 A.D., and still it is as modern and contemporary as tomorrow's newspaper! The Bible is so simple that a child can understand it, yet it is so profound that the wisest man cannot grasp all of it's wisdom. Man has time and again tried to destroy it, and yet the Bible stands, infallible, unchanging, inerrant, the inspired Word of God.
2. What is the Bible?
A. Who is it's Author (II Timothy 3:16)?
B. How was the Bible written (II Peter 1:21)?
C. Does God's Word change?
1) Psalm 119:89
2) Matthew 24:35
3. How long will God's Word, the Bible last (I Peter 1:25)?
4. What is the purpose of the Bible?
A. John 20:21
B. Romans 15:4
C. I Corinthians 10:11
D. I John 5:13
E. I Peter 2:2
F. Romans 1:16
5. Why should we study the Bible? What four things does the Bible teach about itself, and what is its overall purpose (II Timothy 3:16)?
A. All Scripture
B. is given by inspiration of God
C. and is profitable
1) for doctrine
2) reproof
3) correction
4) and instruction in righteousness
D. That the man of God may be perfect (complete, mature), throughly furnished unto all good works.
6. Psalm 119 is David's tribute to the Bible. It is the longest chapter in the Bible and shows the great significance that David placed on the Bible. Remember it was God's command for the King of Israel not only to study and meditate on God's Word (Joshua 1:8), but also that the King should write his own copy of the Pentateuch. What place do you think that the Bible should occupy in you life?
7. The Christian should read and study the Bible daily. Begin with the Book of John, then I John, then Acts, Romans, and the rest of the New Testament. As you read through the scripture, choose a short passage (5-10 verses). Read through the verses twice, then go back through them verse by verse looking for and writing down the following:
A. Sins to forsake (give up)
B. Promises to claim
C. Commands to obey
D. Stumbling blocks to avoid
8. You will be amazed how much of the Bible you can understand by just spending 15 minutes a day this way. You will also have recorded a study on the New Testament within a year if you are faithful every day. Be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to guide your study (John 14:26). You might want to keep a separate section of your notebook just to record new thoughts you have had from your daily study about God, His attributes, characteristics, attitudes, and His relationship to you. As you get to know God better, you will be able to trust Him more with all areas of your life.
Step #7 TEMPTATION
MEMORY VERSES: I CORINTHIANS 10:13 & PHILIPPIANS 4:13
1. We should recognize that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). Our enemy is the Devil! He is the Prince and the Power of this world and the absolute fact is that you will be tempted to sin. But, by the grace of God, you can overcome temptation and live a life of real joy and happiness in the Lord. There is a way of victory, "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..."(Jude 24).
2. Facts about sin and temptation.
A. Can Satan make us sin? What did Job and Jesus do when Satan came to them?
1) Job 1:6-22
2) Matthew 4:1-11
B. Is temptation sin (Hebrews 4:15)?
C. Does God ever tempt His children to do evil (James 1:13)?
D. What are the sources of temptation (I John 2:15-16)?
1) Lust of the flesh
2) Lust of the eyes
3) the pride of life
E. What is the result if you give in to temptation (James 1:15)?
F. What about unsaved friends (Proverbs 1:10-19)?
G. Note what God says about the company we keep.
1) Proverbs 4:1-2
2) Proverbs 13:20
3) Psalm 73:2-3, 17
3. How can we overcome temptation?
A. What weapon did Jesus use when Satan tempted Him (Matthew 4:4-11)?
B. What formula does James give us to defeat the devil (James 4:7-8)?
NOTE WHICH ONE COMES FIRST!
1) Submit yourself unto God
2) Resist the Devil
3) Draw near to God
C. What are the two sources of power that are available to overcome the devil and temptation?
1) Psalm 119:11
2) Matthew 26:41
D. To overcome temptation you must do four things:
1) Count on your death with Christ at salvation.
a. How are we delivered (Colossians 1:12-13)
b. What should we do (Romans 6:11-12)?
c. How is our sinful flesh destroyed (Romans 6:6)?
2) Count on Christ's life in you.
a. Galatians 2:20
b. I John 4:4
c. Philippians 4:13
3) Be sure that you arm yourself with the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
4) Make no provision for the flesh.
a. Romans 13:14
b. Psalm 119:11
E. What are the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20)?
TEMPTATION OFTEN COMES THROUGH A DOOR THAT HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY LEFT OPEN!
4. Why should a Christian always be vigilant and on the alert?
A. I Peter 5:8
B. II Corinthians 2:11
5. What if you do yield to temptation and fall into sin (I John 1:9)?
6. What limitation does God set upon the temptation that he permits us to suffer (I Corinthians 10:13)?
7. What special reward will Christ give to those who give Him the victory in times of temptation (James 1:12)?
Step #8 OBEDIENCE AND CONSECRATION
MEMORY VERSE: ROMANS 12:1-2
1. What is Obedience? People serving in the Military are disciplined to obey orders from their seniors. A Christian's commanding officer is the Lord Jesus Christ, much higher in authority that the Commanding Officer of any military unit. Obedience means that we are willing to obey God Himself; that we are willing to do everything within our power to honor, to glorify and to magnify His name. To so exalt His name so that Jesus Christ might be lifted up in every area of our life, in all that we say and all that we seek to do. In short, we ask ourselves, "Am I obedient to Him: does my life glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all things?"
2. What is Consecration? Consecration is giving of our lives to God to do His will instead of our own. It means that we present our bodies to Him as "living sacrifices."
A. Is it proper for a military person to refuse to learn, but just be satisfied to stay an E-1 forever?
B. Is it proper for a Christian to stay immature, a babe in Christ, and never learn and grow?
C. To grow in grace is the first duty and privilege that we have as children of God. When a person is born, if that child does not grow normally physically, we have great concern and anxiety for that little baby, and rightly so. Should our feelings be any different when a person comes to know Christ as their personal Savior and they do not grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and live as if they have no real interest nor desire for spiritual things? Growth is the proof of life. Abnormal growth brings despair. Jesus Christ desires that we, as a child of God, might truly grow to be a strong, courageous testimony for His name's sake. Christ said in John 8:31, "If ye continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed."
3. A living sacrifice or a dead one?
A. Romans 12:1-2
B. In the Old Testament the burnt offering was to be what (Leviticus 1:2-3)?
1) Without blemish (Perfect, Holy)
2) Voluntary
C. Who was the sacrifice made to (Leviticus 1:9)?
D. How much of the sacrifice was given (Leviticus 1:9)?
E. Compare the Old Testament dead sacrifice to our living sacrifice of today (Romans 12:1-2)?
1) Holy (complete, mature)
2) Acceptable (in usable condition)
3) Transformed (changed, not what you used to be, but new, different, and better)
F. What two things does I Corinthians 6:19 teach us about our physical bodies?
1) Our bodies are the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit of God.
2) We are not our own, we belong to Jesus!
G. What was the cost of our redemption (I Peter 1:18-19)?
H. What should be our motive for being a "living sacrifice" according to II Corinthians 5:14?
I. What should be our life-long desire according to I Corinthians 6:20?
J. What is the purpose of a "living sacrifice" according to Hebrews 13:20-21?
1) To be perfect (mature, complete) in every good work.
2) To do His will.
K. What is our reward from God for being a "living sacrifice" according to Matthew 25:21?
1) I will make thee ruler over many things (additional responsibility and authority).
2) Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.
L. God's promise to us results in what three things according to John 15:7-9?
1) Ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done.
2) That ye bear much fruit.
3) As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you.
M. Our source of power is not our ability, or talents, or education, but what, according to Acts 1:8?
4. The Christian's aim. If we are to have joy, constant daily joy and victory in Jesus Christ, we must not allow sin to go unjudged and unconfessed in our lives, even in the midst of all that goes on around us. We are to have no interest in anything into which Jesus Christ cannot be brought, in which we cannot share our life with Him.
A. Where should our affections be directed according Colossians 3:2?
B. What should we make our daily purpose be according to Colossians 3:1?
C. What should our goal in daily living be according to Colossians 3:17?
1) Whatsoever ye do in word or deed
2) do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
3) giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
D. What five questions should we ask ourselves concerning all things in our lives?
1) I Corinthians 10:31
2) Hebrews 12:1-2
3) I Corinthians 6:12
4) I Corinthians 8:9, 13
5) Colossians 4:5
Step #9 THE CHRISTIAN AND SEPARATION
MEMORY VERSES: I JOHN 2:15-17 & II CORINTHIANS 6:17
1. The doctrine of separation is not a popular doctrine among Christians today. However, we must not decide anything on the basis of popularity, but rather what does God say? The Bible records Christ using the word "separated" some 90 times, so, it must be very important to Him.
2. What does the Bible say about separation (II Corinthians 5:17)?
A. What is the difference between the lost and the saved?
B. What is a "new creature"?
3. In our memory verses, when the Bible speaks of the "world", it is referring to a society that has forgotten God and has left Him out of everyday life.
A. James 4:4
B. I John 2:15-16
C. The three aspects of the world are:
1) The lust of the flesh,
2) The lust of the eyes,
3) The pride of life.
4) Read of Christ's temptation in Matthew 4:1-11. He was offered all three aspects of the world, and turned them all down so he could continue to do the will of His heavenly Father.
D. Psalm 1:1-3 pictures the blessed man of God who is upright in God's sight. What is he promised?
E. What separates us from God and His blessings (Isaiah 59:2)?
F. What are we to do with our bodies (Romans 12:1-2)?
4. If we are not to be conformed to this world, then there must be a difference in our lives from those who are not saved. Notice what the Bible has to say about the relationship we are to have within ourselves, upon others, and towards the Lord.
A. Within ourselves
1) Our body
a) I Timothy 5:22
b) II Corinthians 3:17
c) Romans 13:14
2) Our soul (I Peter 2:11)
3) Our mind and conscience
a) I Corinthians 10:23 and 14:26
b) I Corinthians 10:4-6
c) Romans 14:12-14
d) Romans 14:22-23
4) Our stewardship
a) Time (Ephesians 5:14-17
b) Money (I Corinthians 4:2 & I Timothy 6:10)
c) Talent (Matthew 25:14-30)
d) Responsibility (Titus 3:8)
B. Upon others
1) Romans 14:7
2) Titus 2:9-10 & Ephesians 4:1-3
a) Questions to ask ourselves about what we do.
(1) Titus 2:7 & I Thessalonians 1:6-8
(2) Colossians 4:5-6
(3) I Thessalonians 5:22 & Philippians 2:14- 15
b) What is the actual effect on others?
(1) Romans 15:2 & Hebrews 10:24
(2) I Corinthians 10:32 & II Corinthians 6:3
(3) Romans 14:13, 21
c) Submission to spiritual authority
(1) Colossians 3:23
(2) I Peter 5:5-6
(3) Hebrews 13:17
(4) I Peter 2:13-15
C. Towards God
1) Is what I do glorifying God?
a) I Corinthians 10:31
b) I Corinthians 6:20
2) Is this worthy of God?
a) I Thessalonians 2:12
b) Colossians 1:10
c) II Thessalonians 1:5
5. What is the Biblical reason for separation (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15)?
Step #10 WITNESSING
MEMORY VERSE: PROVERBS 11:30
1. Christians are not born again just so we can go to heaven, although God has promised that we will. We are given new life in Christ that we might serve Him. We are to be a light in a sin darkened world, showing the way to God. This is God's only plan for the salvation of man; saved men telling unsaved men the only way to heaven. The last words of Christ as He ascended into heaven are found in Acts 1:8, where He commands and commissions us as believers in Christ to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, and empowers us with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to go. As a believer we have the means, the power, and the message.
2. Why should we witness?
A. Acts 1:8
B. James 1:22
C. Ephesians 2:10
D. John 14:21
E. John 15:16
F. Luke 19:10
1) John 20:21
2) Matthew 28:19-20
3. What does God promise to the soul winner?
A. God's opinion (Proverbs 11:30) (Daniel 12:3)
B. Psalm 126:6
C. James 5:20
D. Matthew 10:32-33
E. John 15:2, 8
F. Example of the early church:
1) Acts 1:15
2) Acts 2:41
3) Acts 2;47
4) Church growth
(a) Acts 4:4
(b) Acts 5:14
(c) Acts 9:35
(d) Acts 9:42
4. Where, when, and to whom should we witness?
A. Story of the demonic (Mark 5:1-20)
1) Mark 5:19
2) Mark 5:20
B. Mark 16:15
C. Example of the early church
1) Acts 8:7, 10
2) Acts 2:46, 47
3) Acts 5:42
4) Acts 16:1-9
5. Christ's command is to tell all people and nations the Gospel. The word "Gospel" means "good news", and the good news is that Christ died for our sins and rose again to be our living Savior. Paul, in I Corinthians 15: 1-4 defines the Gospel.
6. Four basic truths in the Gospel message:
A. Romans 3:23
B. Romans 6:23
C. John 3:16 & Romans 5:8
D. John 1:12 & Romans 10:9-10
Step #11 THE CHRISTIAN'S THOUGHT LIFE
MEMORY VERSE; PHILIPPIANS 4:8
1. You need to be a strong Christian. One who will do what is right in the face of strong opposition. One of the ways we become strong in the Lord is by controlling our thought life. The Apostle Paul prayed for the Christians at Colosse to be strengthened with all might, the Lord's might. You need strength too. One way to get that strength is to control your thought life. You need to control your thought life. Our Lord knows this and therefore we have a fruit within us to help control what we do with our mind (Galatians 5:22-23) Temperance is self-control.
2. God says in Proverbs 23:7, "For as he thinkest in his heart, so is he."
A. God hates even the thoughts of the wicked (Proverbs 15:26).
B. One of seven things that the Lord says He hates in Proverbs 6:16-18 is a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations.
C. We understand by reading God's word that He knows what we think (Hebrews 4:12).
3. There are basically three ways that our thought life has an effect on us. These are: towards others; towards ourselves; and towards God; or, outward, inward, and upward.
A. Outward thoughts: We should think of others on a true level, not less than what they are, but also not more than what they are. Keep your eyes on the Lord and not on any man.
1) God wants us to think highly of those who serve Him, and honor them.
a) I Timothy 5:17
b) Matthew 15:4; 19:19
c) Romans 13:7
2) God does not want us to think more highly of any man than we ought to.
a) I Corinthians 4:6
b) Psalm 19:14 - Keep your eyes and thoughts on the Lord!
B. Inward thoughts: Our thoughts control our actions and therefore we need to bring our thought life under control. For most people in this world, their thought life is never even considered. God hates our bad thoughts, but disciplines us for our bad actions. Because our thoughts control our actions we need to guard our thoughts.
1) God warns us.
a) Matthew 5:28
b) Psalm 119:37
2) God tells us how to help control our mind.
a) Romans 12:3
b) James 4:8
c) Philippians 4:8
3) Remember we have the ability to control our thought lives because power through the Holy Spirit is available to us (II Corinthians 10:4-5).
4) One evidence of salvation is that you recognize the necessity of rebuilding your thought life. God's Holy Spirit pricks our heart telling us that He is not happy with our unclean thoughts.
NOW WE HAVE REACHED THE PLACE WHERE WE OUGHT TO BE IN OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD, SO LET'S GO TO THE NEXT POINT.
C. Upward thoughts: What we think should be clean because even our thoughts are known to the Lord. Would you take something filthy that your boss detested and set it before him where it continually reminded him of you? We do that to God when we continually parade our wicked thoughts before Him.
1) Proverbs 15:26
2) Matthew 9:4
3) I Corinthians 3:20
4. Rebuilding thoughts (Romans 12:2).
A. Confession (I John 1:9)
B. Memorization (Psalm 119:11)
C. Visualization (John 15:7)
D. Personalization (Changing pronouns of "you", "they", or "his" to "I", "me", and "my" so that Scripture becomes personal in your thoughts.)
REMEMBER: YOUR THOUGHTS ARE AN INDEX OF YOUR CHARACTER; THEY ARE THE POWER BEHIND THE ACTION, SO GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS. DILIGENTLY STRIVE TO KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS OUT OF THE GUTTER. KEEP YOUR THOUGHT LIFE CLEAN, AND YOU WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO KEEP YOUR ACTIONS CLEAN!
Step #12 EMOTIONS
MEMORY VERSE: ROMANS 12:15
1. Worry
A. Do Christians experience emotional problems? Of course we do, in fact we sometimes tend to worry more because of our fast paced and demanding society, plus our knowing that it is wrong to sin. Experts tell us that worry originates not from the outside, but from within. It's not your job or your schedule, your commitments or other people that produce worry; rather, it is how you respond to the external pressures that lead to anxiety. So when you analyze worry, you can see that it is really an internal problem. That places the responsibility for its control on you. We who are born again have the Spirit of God and His Word to give us day to day instruction and encouragement to withstand the temptations and tensions of life.
B. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 43:5
1) The first step is to trust in the Lord to help us over come worry. Proverbs 3:5-6
2) The person who is overwhelmed with worry is very likely trying to solve all his problems and to meet life's demands in his own strength and wisdom. Psalm 31:1.
C. Prayer (Jeremiah 29:7; 33:3)
1) The second step is prayer.
2) We all realize that sometimes we don't feel like praying. There are always times when we are discouraged and we think "what's the use, it won't do any good". But when we don't feel like praying, that's when we need it most!
a) Memory test: Try to remember something you were worrying about two years ago; one year ago. See, you can't remember what you were worrying about, it was wasted effort!
b) When we talk our problems over with God, our anxiety will be relieved. As we pour out our concerns to Him, we begin to see the relationship to His great power, wisdom, and love for us, and we realize that our fears are not nearly so bad as we thought.
D. Live day by day (Matthew 6:34).
1) Just live one day at a time. Do the best you can do today and tomorrow will take care of itself.
2) We have our hands full dealing with today's problems, so why take on tomorrow's troubles too?
3) We learn that much of what we worry about never happens anyway.
E. Believe in God's faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
F. Trust in God's presence (Hebrews 13:5-6).
1) Remember that God is always with you.
2) By remembering these verses I can be certain that there is no lonely road, no darkened house, no hospital waiting room, no place at all that He is not with me to comfort me, strengthen me, and sustain me in any test or trial.
ULCERS ARE NOT CAUSED BY WHAT YOU ARE EATING, BUT BY WHAT'S EATING YOU!
3) Don't be concerned about the future, things that may not come to pass anyway can rob you of your joy and peace today.
G. Actions (I Samuel 2:3). Put what you have learned into action. Begin to practice spiritual principles.
1) Make a list of things you are worrying about today. Can you now, knowing what God's Word says, put these things in God's hands and trust in Him to do what is best?
2) Make a list of things you worried about last week. Did worrying change any of them? Are you making decisions emotionally or rationally?
3) Lastly, do things daily to help you remember God's faithfulness and presence.
a) Read your Bible daily!
b) Pray daily!
c) Read good Christian literature.
d) Learn and sing Gospel songs.
e) Avoid activities that emphasize the worlds view that God is not interested in your life.
2. Loneliness
A. What did God think about Adam being alone (Genesis 2:18)?
B. How does God make His presence real to us (John 14:15- 23)?
C. How can the church help to meet our needs (I Corinthians 12:12-27)?
3. Depression
A. When God seems distant, what encourages us (Psalm 13)?
B. When life seems unfair, what should we remember (Psalm 37:39-40)?
C. In hard times who can we depend on (Jeremiah 17:5-8)?
4. Anger
A. What can our temper damage (Proverbs 14:17)?
B. How can we control our anger (James 1:19-20)?
5. Bitterness
A. What have bitter people forgotten (Ephesians 4:31-32)?
B. What makes people bitter (James 3:13-18)? C. How should we deal with bitterness (Matthew 18:15-35)?
6. Fear
A. Who are we to fear (Matthew 10:28)?
B. What do we not have to fear (I John 4:18)?
7. Doubt
A. How do we sometimes act like Peter (Matthew 14:29-31)?
B. How does Jesus answer our doubts (John 14:5-11)?
C. What convinced doubting Thomas, and what ought to convince you (John 20:24-31)?
8. Guilt
A. What hope does the Bible give us (Psalm 38:16-22)?
B. How do we get rid of guilt (I John 1:9)?
9. Grief and sorrow
A. Where is God in our times of sorrow (Psalm 23:4)?
B. How did Jesus depend on others when in grief (Matthew 26:37-38)?
C. How can we get sorrow into proper perspective (Romans 8:18)?
D. What makes death easier to accept (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)?
10. Conclusion
A. What can we do to cooperate with the Holy Spirit of God so that we can enjoy love, joy, peace, and self control in our emotional lives (Galatians 5:22-26)?
B. What is our responsibility to fellow believers who are experiencing problems handling their emotions (Galatians 6:1-2)?
Step #13 CHRISTIAN DECISIONS
MEMORY VERSE: PROVERBS 3:5-6
1. Our lives have been changed forever on the basis of one decision; to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. The next big decision is to do what God wants us to do for Him. No Christian wants to make an error in judgment and choose something other than what God thinks is best. All of these considerations tend to cause anxiety. Add to that the tension of wanting to please God and desiring to make the most of our lives for Him.
2. Is there a way to find out what God wants us to do? Let's find out.
3. The methods of decision making have been many (by worldly people and Christians):
A. Fleeces: Asking God for a supernatural sign.
B. Flipping coins: Leaving it up to chance.
C. Feelings: Obeying feelings in spite of logic.
D. Floundering: Fishing everywhere for answers.
E. Defaulting: Letting events decide.
F. Delegating: Letting others decide.
G. Dreaming: Asking for a vision or voice.
H. Dipping: Random Bible reading.
I. Sliding: Taking the course of least resistance.
J. Sitting: Procrastinating.
4. Go to the Lord for answers.
A. Psalm 5:8
B. Too often we may foolishly think that we are competent to make wise choices without God's help.
1) Psalm 139:1-16
2) Isaiah 55:8-9
3) Jeremiah 32:17
4) Romans 11:33-36
C. Once we have gone to the Lord for help, stand back and watch the Creator work (Psalm 37:5).
D. How do we acknowledge God?
1) Demonstrate trust. Trust means that we will not depend on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
2) Practice submission. Submission means to be humble, reverent, or fearful. This describes the attitude that we should possess if we want to be confident that God is leading us in our decision making (Proverbs 1:7). This "sacrifice" of ourself is the practical outworking of an inner attitude of submission to God. The believer who fears God will recognize His Lordship over all areas of life and will relinquish any claims to self rule. The "transformed" mind thinks in line with God's thoughts about right living. Such a transformation takes place as a believer fills his mind with the truths of God's Word.
3) Give yourself to prayer. The believer who trusts God and is submissive to Him recognizes his need for Divine help in making decisions (James 1:5) Failure to ask for God's direction can be a sign of exaggerated self-importance. Although we may feel confident in ourselves, God knows the bigger picture. God does reveal His will to us. Through His Word and through the indwelling Holy Spirit we have all the resources we need. But first we must pray.
4) Live in Obedience to the Lord. Why should God give a person guidance on some specific situation in life if that person shows contempt or disregard for God in another area of life? The central issue is whether or not we are walking in obedience to what we already know God wants us to do. He may expect us to use our ability to reason as a guide in choosing the path that would be in keeping with His general guidelines (Acts 5:29 and John 14:21).
5. What does the Holy Spirit do for us? Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would live within believers (John 14:15-18 & 16:7-15). But what does the Holy Spirit do to lead us in our decision making?
A. One of His roles is to help us understand what God has already revealed in the Bible (I Corinthians 2:9-16).
1) Talents and gifts. God gives talents at birth and gifts at the New Birth. Don't apply for a job you are not qualified to do!
2) The Lord will use what He has given you to do His will, and to accomplish His purpose.
3) Search out these gifts and talents and know your strengths and weaknesses (I Timothy 3:1-7).
B. Another role of the Holy Spirit is to relay our prayers to God the Father. He transforms our request into the exact form that it should be in as he carries it to the Father, often making intercession for us when we do not know what to pray for (Romans 8:26).
C. Does your decision violate Biblical principles? Does it violate good judgment? But, most important of all, does your decision glorify God?
6. Decision for service (John 12:26).
CONCLUSION: Remember we are needy people in every way. We need Him to help us with our decisions, and He is ready and He wants to help us (Matthew 11:28-10).
Step #14 CHRISTIAN MATURITY
MEMORY VERSE: LUKE 9:23
1. First let's look at the definition of maturity. Maturity is the quality or state of being mature; full development, having attained a final or desired state, based on slow careful consideration. Do we ignore a child after he takes his first step or do we give guidance and direction to help him along. The same thing applies to Christians. They take the first step and accept Jesus as their Savior. Then it is up to the pastor and church family to give guidance and direction in order to achieve maturity. Maturity can only be achieved through the study of God's Word. There are many ways to study God's Word, but one of the best is to fellowship and study with other Christians using a discipleship program.
2. In order to achieve this maturity we must first take up the Cross daily as stated in our Memory Verse. There must be that daily desire to be Christ-like.
A. Live in the Word
1) I Peter 2:2
a) Begin each day by reading God's Word for your spiritual and personal development. This gets you started on the right foot in order to survive the worldly things of each day.
b) Involve the whole family in reading God's Word on a daily basis. This will also bring your family closer to each other as they grow closer to God.
2) John 14:26
a) We should start our Bible reading with a prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ to use the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Without his guidance it will be almost impossible to learn everything that the Lord wants you to know.
b) The Holy Spirit will teach us exactly what He wants us to know at that particular time. If you yield to the Holy Spirit He will give you the answers you need from God's Word.
B. Pray in Faith.
1) John 15:7
a) Prayer is Worship. Prayer is conversing with God. Talk to Him throughout the day. Believe His promises. God delights in the prayers of His people. You gain strength as you pray regularly and effectively.
b) The more often you pray the more mature you will grow. Prayers bring you closer to God and you will want to be more Christ-like.
2) Ephesians 5:20
a) Our prayers will not be received by God unless we pray in Jesus name.
b) The only way to communicate with the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ.
C. Fellowship with believers (John 13:34-35). Living in Christ means you will try to live in fellowship with your Brothers and Sisters in Christ in His church. Everyone will know you are a Disciple (disciplined follower) of Christ when you love others. Fellowship with other believers will help you mature.
3. Commitment to church vocations. God wants you to know His will (Ephesians 5:15), and He will help you discover it (Romans 12:1).
A. Ephesians 4:1
B. II Corinthians 5:20
C. Romans 12:6 & I Peter 4:10
D. God gives leaders to the church to equip its people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).
1) Luke 10:2
2) Matthew 7:13-14
3) Acts 9:1-20
4) Acts 1:8
E. Prove what is God's will for vocational service by complete surrender to Christ as Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
1) Acts 9:6
2) Proverbs 3:5-6
CONCLUSION: If you are willing to do God's will, He will reveal His will to you. There is no need to be anxious. He will lead you a step at a time. Respond to each step as He reveals it and act by faith. Continue to mature with constant counsel with Christian leaders that are grounded in the Word of God. Begin serving Faithfully where you are (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Pray for guidance. The best way to mature is by serving the Lord Jesus Christ.